Sealing adaptor

ABSTRACT

The present application provides a roofing assembly ( 300 ). The roofing assembly ( 300 ) comprises: a support frame ( 310, 320 ); a window panel ( 350 ) supported on the support frame; a roof covering ( 319, 364 ) having an inner surface facing the support frame ( 310, 320 ) and extending over the support frame ( 310, 320 ) to a boundary of the window panel ( 350 ); and a sealing adaptor ( 360 ) comprising a sealing portion ( 430 ) having a sealing surface ( 432 ) for forming a seal against the window panel ( 350 ), and a retaining portion ( 410 ) defining a retaining recess ( 420 ) formed to retain an end of the roof covering ( 319, 364 ) therein. The retaining portion ( 410 ) comprises a lip region ( 422 ) for contacting the inner surface of the roof covering ( 319, 364 ) when the end of the roof covering ( 319, 364 ) is received in the retaining recess ( 420 ). The retaining recess ( 420 ) is provided between the lip region ( 422 ) and the sealing surface ( 432 ).

This invention relates to a sealing adaptor for use in installingwindows in an external surface of a building.

BACKGROUND

Currently, there are a number of options for fitting windows intotypical tiled roofs. Above a roof pitch of 22 degrees, Velux-typewindows can be used. These low profile Velux windows can be fitted on aroof with a suitable covering material having a roof pitch between 15degrees and 90 degrees. A low profile window, for example a low profileVelux roof window can only be installed retrospectively on a loose laidtiled roof. Low profile Velux windows lend themselves to low pitchroofing where standing seam zinc or copper or stainless steel sheetmaterial is used because the metal flashings (which can be colourcoordinated to suit the roof covering) are in-keeping with a metal roof.However, low profile Velux-type roof windows may be prone to leakagewhen installed at a pitch of less than 15 degrees. It is possible toinstall roof windows in low-pitched roofs (typically having a roof pitchbelow 15 degrees) by incorporating an upstand into the roof to allow theroof window to be mounted at an angle of at least 15 degrees to theground, even though the pitch of the roof is less than 15 degrees.However, such an approach may look unsightly, and/or block out some ofthe light which would otherwise enter into the building through the rooflight were the roof light mounted substantially flush to the rest of theroof.

The low profile Velux window typically has an inherent up-stand ofapproximately 80 mm when installed. This up-stand can be problematicwhen using standing seam roofing. In the case of zinc, copper andstainless steel roofing sheets, gussets must be soldered at each corner,which can be complex in this situation. Furthermore, the standing seamsare typically 25 mm in height and the window is 80 mm high. Therefore,the seams must be staggered around the up-stand of the low profile Veluxwindow and the seam that will finish behind the up-stand is cut out,hammered down flat and soldered. Though note that aluminium and zinccoated aluminium cannot be soldered, which means an alternative solutionmust be found for these materials.

A further problem with existing low profile windows is they cannot beused in conservation areas or roofs with a heritage specification due tothe projection from the roof. This projection is unacceptable inconservation or heritage areas.

One current way to use the low profile Velux windows with zinc standingseam roofs is to tuck up the sheet roofing material under the metalflashing provided as part of the installation kit for the low profilewindow. This allows for installation of the window, but does not solvethe problems caused by windows which project too far from the roof, andstill may not provide a sealed window in a low-pitch roof. Furthermore,care must be taken when positioning these windows as they have noallowance for thermal movement in the sheet roofing material due tothermal expansion and/or contraction as a result of temperature changesof the roof. Another type of roof window or non opening roof light forlow pitch roofs is a fixed deadlight which is typically mounted on akerb or up-stand of approximately 200 mm which is usually formed frompowder coated aluminium. Again, this solution does not solve theproblems caused by windows which project from the surface of the roof.

The present disclosure provides at least an alternative to methods andapparatus for mounting a roof light in a roof.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a roofing assembly. The roofing assembly comprises: a supportframe; a window panel supported on the support frame; a roof coveringhaving an inner surface facing the support frame and extending over thesupport frame to a boundary of the window panel; and a sealing adaptorcomprising a sealing portion having a sealing surface for forming a sealagainst the window panel, and a retaining portion defining a retainingrecess formed to retain an end of the roof covering therein. Theretaining portion comprises a lip region for contacting the innersurface of the roof covering when the end of the roof covering isreceived in the retaining recess. The retaining recess is providedbetween the lip region and the sealing surface.

Thus, there is provided a roofing assembly for sealing a window panelwithin a roof. The sealing adaptor is particularly suited to use withroof coverings susceptible to thermal expansion and contraction, inparticular zinc roofing. The roofing assembly also allows the windowpanel to be mounted substantially flush within the roof, and thereforedoes not require the use of an upstand mounting, the use of which mayreduce an amount of light entering a room through a roof window andwhich may not be permitted or desired in conservation areas or onheritage roofs.

The retaining recess may be substantially parallel to the sealingsurface.

The roof covering may be formed from zinc roofing sheets.

The sealing portion may define a plurality of sealing recesses toreceive a sealing member. The sealing portion may define three sealingrecesses. One or more of the sealing recesses may be filled by thesealing member. The sealing member may be a resilient sealing member.The resilient sealing member may be a neoprene bead.

The sealing surface may comprise an adhesive to adhere the sealingadaptor to the window panel. The adhesive may be to adhere the sealingadaptor to a top surface of the window panel. The adhesive may be toadhere the sealing adaptor to a boundary of the top surface of thewindow panel.

The sealing adaptor may further comprise a mounting portion extendingfrom the sealing portion to mount the sealing adaptor to the supportframe in use. The mounting portion may be to mount the sealing adaptorto the support frame using a fastener in use.

The mounting portion may have defined therein a mounting hole forengagement by a fastener. The fastener may be a screw fastener.

The retaining recess may extend inwardly from a mouth region defined byan entrance of the recess in a recess direction at least partiallytowards the mounting portion.

The recess direction may be between approximately 0 degrees and 90degrees away from a plane of the sealing surface. The recess directionmay be between approximately 0 degrees and 90 degrees away from a topsurface of the window panel in use. The recess direction may besubstantially parallel to the top surface of the window panel. Therecess direction may be substantially parallel to the plane of thesealing surface.

The retaining recess extends inwardly from a mouth region defined by anentrance of the recess. A depth of the retaining recess from the mouthregion may be at least 5 millimeters. The depth of the retaining recessmay be at least 9 millimeters. The depth of the retaining recess may beless than 20 millimeters.

A width of the retaining recess between opposing sides of the mouthregion may be greater than 1 millimeter. A width of the retaining recessmay be less than 10 millimeters. A width of the retaining recess may beless than 4 millimeters.

The retaining recess may define a tortuous path, whereby to retain theroof covering within the retaining recess in use.

The retaining recess may be defined by a first surface of the retainingportion and a second surface of the retaining portion, the secondsurface substantially opposing the first surface. At least one of thefirst surface and the second surface of the retaining portion mayinclude a plurality of protrusions extending inwardly within theretaining recess.

The plurality of protrusions may be distributed over both of the firstsurface and the second surface.

A pitch of a roof formed by the roof covering over the support frame maybe less than 15 degrees. A pitch of the window panel mounted in the roofmay be less than 15 degrees.

The lip region may be an upper lip region at an upper surface of theretaining recess.

The window panel may be at least a double glazed window panel. Thewindow panel may be at least a triple glazed window panel. An upperlayer of the window panel may extend beyond a lower layer of the windowpanel in a direction arranged to be downwards in the roof in use.

Viewed from another aspect, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention there is provided a mounting adaptor for mounting aroof panel within a roof, the roof panel having a top surface. The roofis provided by a support frame over which extends a roof covering havingan inner surface facing the support frame. The mounting adaptor is anelongate member and comprises: a sealing portion having a sealingsurface for forming a seal at a boundary of the roof panel; and aretaining portion formed to define an elongate retaining recess toreceive an end portion of the roof covering therein. The retainingportion comprises a lip region for contacting an inner surface of theroof covering when the end of the roof covering is received in theretaining recess. The retaining recess is provided between the lipregion and the sealing surface.

The invention extends to a kit of parts for mounting a window panelwithin a roof comprising the sealing adaptor described hereinbefore.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a roofing assembly according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an underlying support frame structure for aroof;

FIGS. 3A to 3C are cross-sections through a diagram of a roofingassembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a mounting member for use in a roofing assemblyaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes a roof window system capable of beingmounted substantially flush within a low-pitched roof. The roof windowsystem is particularly suited to standing seam (long strip) zincroofing, but it will be understood that the methods and apparatusdisclosed herein can be used with other sheet roofing materials, forexample copper, aluminium, steel, stainless steel, and indeed any coiledsheet metal. FIG. 1 is an illustration of a roofing assembly 100according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows onlythe external surface of the roofing assembly 100. The roofing assembly100 comprises a roof covering in the form of a plurality of roofingsheets 110, 112, 113, 114, 116, 117 formed from zinc. The roofing sheets110, 112, 113, 114, 116, 117 each have a length measured in alongitudinal direction down a pitch of the roof and a width measured ina lateral direction along the roof transverse to the length of theroofing sheets. In the present example, each roofing sheet 110, 112,113, 114, 116, 117 is formed from a roll of zinc having a width of 600millimeters. An outer left roofing sheet 110 covers the length of theroof and is connected to an upper left roofing sheet 112 and a lowerleft roofing sheet 117 by a standing seam 120 as is well known withinthe field of zinc roofing. The standing seam 120 is formed by foldingadjacent edges of adjacent roofing sheets together such that theadjacent roofing sheets are connected together by a standing seam. Aportion of the roofing sheet forming a top part of the standing seamfits over a portion the roofing sheet forming an under part. The twoportions are folded over (twice in this example) to create a waterresistant mechanical seal. The standing seam 120 is fixed to anunderlying roofing structure (not shown) with fixed or sliding clips(also not shown) that restrict or facilitate thermal movement of theroofing sheets as necessary. The standing seam 120 does not permit rainto enter between the roofing sheets. Similarly, the upper left roofingsheet 112 and the lower left roofing sheet 117 are connected to an upperright roofing sheet 113 and a lower right roofing sheet 116 respectivelyby respective standing seams 122, 126. Each of the upper right roofingsheet 113 and the lower right roofing sheet 116 is connected to a rightroofing sheet 114 by a standing seam 124. When assembled in this way aperiodicity of adjacent standing seams is approximately 530 millimeters.It will be understood that any periodicity of adjacent standing seamsmay be provided depending on the height of the standing seams and thewidth of the rolls of material used to form the roofing sheets. Inparticular, the periodicity may be 500 millimeters, 600 millimeters, oranywhere between.

The roofing assembly 100 further comprises a roof panel in the form of aroof window 150 positioned in an opening within the roofing assemblydefined between a right edge of the left roofing sheet 110 and a leftedge of the right roofing sheet 114 and between a lower edge of each ofthe upper left roofing sheet 112 and the upper right roofing sheet 113,and an upper edge of each of the lower left roofing sheet 117 and thelower right roofing sheet 116. In this example, the roof window 150 is aroof light arranged in a roof of a building to facilitate passage oflight into the building through the roof window 150. The roof window 150will be described further in relation to FIGS. 3A to 3C below.

The roofing assembly 100 further comprises a flashing member 128 at theseam 120 to at least partially seal the roof window 150 within theroofing assembly 100. The roofing assembly comprises a further flashingmember (not shown) at the seam 124 to at least partially seal the roofwindow 150 within the roofing assembly 100. The roof window 150 isformed to have a thickness extending within the roof. As such, the upperedge of the lower left roofing sheet 117 and the lower right roofingsheet 116 is located further within the roof than a correspondinglocation on either the left roofing sheet 110 or the right roofing sheet114. The lower left roofing sheet 117 and the lower right roofing sheet116 each have a shallower pitch compared to the left roofing sheet 110and the right roofing sheet 114 such that a lower edge of each of thelower left roofing sheet 117 and the lower right roofing sheet 116returns to approximately the same height within the roofing assembly asthe a lower edge of each of the left roofing sheet 110 and the rightroofing sheet 114. The roof window 150 is sealed within the roof as willbe described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C below.

In this example, movement of the roofing sheets and standing seams dueto thermal expansion or contraction is facilitated by the use of acombination of fixed clips (not shown) and sliding clips (not shown).The fixed clips are typically fitted at a top of a roof or wall (e.g.façade). The sliding clips are typically below the top of the roof (orwall) at approx. 300 mm intervals. The clips are fitted between the tworoofing sheets forming the standing seam and nailed or screwed to a deckof the roof support structure. The fixed clips hold the standing seamstill, whereas the sliding clips slide with the standing seam. Expansionand contraction of the zinc roofing sheets can typically be 1 mm ofmovement over 1 m per degree of temperature change.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an underlying support frame structure for aroof. As will be understood, a support frame structure 200 for a rooftypically comprises a plurality of rafters 210 each extending from alower edge of the roof up to an upper edge of the roof. The supportframe structure 200 further comprises a plurality of purlins 220connecting the rafters 210 together. The purlins 220 extend atsubstantially constant height across the roof, perpendicular to therafters 210. In this example, the support frame structure 200 comprisesseparate purlins 220 extending between each pair of adjacent rafters210. However, it will be understood that the purlins can be formed toextend across a width of the support frame structure 200 and mountedbelow or above the rafters 210. In this alternative configuration asingle purlin may connect several rafters together. With reference tothe roofing assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1, it will be appreciated thatthe standing seams 120, 124 are typically positioned directly above therafters 210. It will be understood that the roof window 150 is typicallypositioned in a region between rafters 210. In this way, there istypically no rafter located beneath the central standing seams 122, 126shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams of a roofing assembly according to anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectionthrough a roofing assembly 300 in the lateral direction of the roof(bridging a plurality of roofing sheets and standing seams). A roofwindow 350 is supported on a support frame structure of a roof.Specifically, a rafter 310 supports a roof decking member 316, to whichthe roofing sheets are secured. A support member 312 is supported fromthe roof decking member 316 via a mounting bracket 314. The roof window350 is supported on the support member 312 at each end thereof via athermal insulation angle 308. The support member 312 is typically formedto extend around a boundary of the roof window 350 and support the roofwindow 350 in the roof. The support member 312 is substantially L-shapedand comprises a leg portion which extends downwardly from the mountingbracket 314. The support member 312 further comprises a foot portionwhich extends inwardly from a base of the leg portion beneath anunderside of an edge of the roof window 350. The foot portion of thesupport member 312 is connected to a lower surface of the roof window350 via the thermal insulation angle 308. It will be understood that thethermal insulation angle 308 may be connected to either or both of theroof window 350 and the support member 312 by one or more of fasteners,adhesive or interengaging connectors. Thus, the roof window 350 issecurely mounted to the support frame structure of the roof. Moreparticularly, the roof window 350 is mounted to the rafters 310. Thesupport member 312 is welded in this example. The thermal insulationangle 308 is typically formed from a plastics material.

An inner surface of the leg portion of the support member 312 isconnected to the mounting bracket 314 at an upper end thereof. Themounting bracket 314 comprises a body portion which extends downwardsfrom and adjacent to the inner surface of an upper end of the supportmember 312 and an arm portion which extends outwardly away from the roofwindow 150 at an upper end of the mounting bracket 314. A roof deckingmember 316 is mounted to the arm portion of the mounting bracket 314.The roof covering in the form on a first roofing sheet 318 is mounted tothe roof decking member 316, for example by fixed clips or sliding clipsas described previously.

A mounting member in the form of a roof window sealing member 360 ismounted to an inner surface of the leg portion of the support member 312by a fastener in the form of one or more fixing screws. It will be seenthat the body portion of the mounting bracket 314 is clamped between theroof window sealing member 360 and the support member 312. The roofwindow sealing member 360 is mounted at an upper end of the leg portionof the support member 312 and is arranged to seal an upper surface ofthe roof window 350. The roof window 350 is therefore mounted betweenthe roof window sealing member 360 and the thermal insulation angle 308.A flashing member in the form of a second roofing sheet 319 is connectedat a first end to the first roofing sheet 318 and at a second end to theroof window sealing member 360. The roof window sealing member 360 isformed to provide a substantially weathertight seal between the roofwindow 350 and the roof covering formed by the first roofing sheet 318and the second roofing sheet 319. The roof window sealing member 360 isfurther described with reference to FIG. 4 below. The roof windowsealing member 360 defines a recess therein and allows a flashing memberformed by the second roofing sheet 319 to slide into the recess in theroof window sealing member 360, even with movement of the roofing sheetdue to thermal expansion or contraction of the roof.

An internal support member 313 is mounted to a lower surface of the footportion of the support member 312 whereby to provide a fixing point forplasterboard or other wall coverings on an internal side of the roofwindow 350 within the roof.

The roof window 350 in this example comprises a lower window pane 351,an upper window pane 352 and a central window pane 356 provided betweenthe lower window pane 351 and the upper window pane 352. An upper vacuumcavity 358 is defined between the upper window pane 352 and the centralwindow pane 356. A lower vacuum cavity 354 is provided between thecentral window pane 356 and the lower window pane 351. Thus, the roofwindow 350 in this example is a triple glazed window unit. It will beunderstood that the roof window 350 can alternatively be another type ofwindow unit, for example a double or single glazed window unit asdesired. The upper window pane 352 and the lower window pane 351 areeach formed from toughened glass to provide a strong and durable roofwindow 350.

FIG. 3B shows a cross-section through a diagram of an upper portion ofthe roof window 350, the cross-section being in the longitudinaldirection of the roof. The roof window 350 is supported on the supportframe structure of the roof. Specifically, an upper end of the roofwindow 350 is supported on the support member 312 via the thermalinsulation angle 308. As previously, the internal support member 313 ismounted at an upper surface thereof to the foot portion of the supportmember 312 bordering the roof window 350. Thus, a rear portion of theroof window 350 is securely mounted to the support frame structure ofthe roof via the support member 312.

In the region of the rear portion of the roof window 350, the innersurface of the leg portion of the support member 312 is connected to arear mounting bracket 326 at an upper end thereof. The rear mountingbracket 326 comprises a body portion which extends downwards from anupper end of the support member 312 and an overhang portion whichextends inwardly over a boundary of the roof window 350 at an upper endof the rear mounting bracket 326. A roofing under-sheet 364 is mountedto the second rear mounting bracket 326, for example by adhesive.

A rear spacing member 328 extends rearwardly from an upper end of a rearsurface of the support member 312. The rear spacing member 328 issupported on a purlin 320 of the support frame structure of the roof. Anupper surface of the rear spacing member 328 is substantially flush witha height of an upper surface of the rear mounting bracket 326. A deckmember 330 extends rearwardly from the rear spacing member 328 andprovides a support panel on which the roof covering is supported. Inthis example, the difference between a height of the upper surface ofthe rear spacing member 328 and the height of the upper surface of thedeck member 330 is approximately 6 millimeters. The roofing under-sheet364 extends from an inward end of the overhang portion of the rearmounting bracket 326 towards the deck member 330. The roofingunder-sheet 364 is formed to define one or more surface protrusions awayfrom the rear spacing member 328 and an approximately 180 degree bendoutwardly at a first end of the roofing under-sheet 364 whereby tosubstantially prevent rainwater penetrating within the roof.

A mounting member in the form of the roof window sealing member 360 ismounted to an inner surface of the leg portion of the support member 312with the body portion of the rear mounting bracket 326 clampedtherebetween. The roof window sealing member 360 is mounted at an upperend of the leg portion of the support member 312. The rear portion ofthe roof window 350 is therefore mounted between the roof window sealingmember 360 and the thermal insulation angle 308. The roofing under-sheet364 is connected at a second end to the roof window sealing member 360.A roofing rear top sheet 363 extends inwardly from an upper portion ofthe roof, towards the roof window 350. The roofing rear top sheet 363 isbent back around the overhang portion of the rear mounting bracket 326whereby to substantially prevent ingress of rainwater beneath theroofing rear top sheet 363. The roof window sealing member 360 is formedto provide a substantially weathertight seal between the roof window 350and the roof covering. In this particular example, the roof covering isprovided by the combination of the roofing rear top sheet 363 and theroofing under-sheet 364. As noted previously, the roof window sealingmember 360 is further described with reference to FIG. 4 below.

In the present example, where a width of the roof window 350 is greaterthan a width of a single roofing sheet forming part of the roofcovering, the roof covering may further comprise a standing seam 362positioned longitudinally upwards of the roof window 350. The standingseam 362 can be folded to lie flat against the roofing rear top sheet363 in the region of the overhang portion of the rear mounting bracket326, whereby to maintain the weathertight seal between adjacent roofingsheets.

Thus it can be seen that many of the same components can be used indifferent positions during installation of a roof window. In particulara plurality of roof window sealing members 360 can be used for sealingboth the lateral sides and the rear portion of the roof window 350within the roof. In an example, a substantially U-shaped single roofwindow sealing member can be used to extend from a first lateral side,across the rear portion, and down a second lateral side of the roofwindow 350. Such a U-shaped roof window sealing member design can bemitred at the corners to maintain a weathertight seal.

FIG. 3C shows a cross-section through a diagram of a lower portion ofthe roof window 350, the cross-section being in the longitudinaldirection of the roof. The roof window 350 is supported on the supportmember 312 substantially as described in relation to FIGS. 3A and 3B,with the thermal insulation angle 308 and the internal support member313. A front spacing member 382 is provided to securely locate the roofwindow 350 away from an inner surface of the leg portion of the supportmember 312. The front spacing member may be formed from a weathertightmaterial such as silicon.

The upper window pane 352 comprises a lower overhang portion whichextends beyond either of the central window pane 356 or the lower windowpane 351 in a longitudinal direction down the pitch of the roof. It willbe appreciated that an end member (not shown) is provided to enclose theupper vacuum cavity at the region on the upper window pane 352corresponding to the length of the central window pane 356 and the lowerwindow pane 351. An end of the upper window pane 352 can be providedwith a glazing bead member 370. The glazing bead member 370 defines adrip channel 372 configured to substantially prevent ingress ofrainwater beneath the upper window pane 352 of the roof window 350 whenthe roof window 350 is installed in a roof. As described in relation toFIG. 1, although the upper window pane 352 extends in substantially thesame direction as an upper portion of the roof covering before the roofwindow 350, the roof covering in a lower portion of the roof after theroof window 350 is provided at a lower roof height, and extends at alower pitch angle. In this way, the lower portion of the roof willrecover to meet an underside of the upper window pane 352 or a planeextending from the upper window pane 352. This allows the roof window350 to sit close to the top of the roof, while still maintaining aneffective run off for rain water from the upper portion of the roof anda drain to the lower portion of the roof below.

It will be seen that an upper surface of the upper window pane 352 ispositioned approximately 30 millimeters below a main support surface ofthe roof. Rainwater can drain from the roof window 350 via the glazingbead member 370 bonded flush to upper window pane 352. The glazing beadmember 370 is mechanically fixed (for example by riveting) to the roofwindow sealing member 360 on the sides of the window. The roof coveringin the lower portion of the roof is positioned approximately 45millimeters below the top surface of the upper window pane 352 at aposition on the lower portion of the roof adjacent to the roof windowframe. Thus, the roof may be a maximum of 75 millimeters below the mainsupport surface of the roof in a region laterally adjacent to the lowerportion of the roof.

A filter foam member 315 is provided beneath the lower overhang portionof the upper window pane 352 to provide a substantially weathertightseal between a lower roof covering 317 and the roof window 350.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a cross-section through an elongate mountingmember in the form of a roof window sealing member 360 for use in aroofing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.The roof window sealing member is formed from an elongate member 402comprising a retaining portion 410 defining a retaining recess 420 and asealing portion 430. The elongate member 402 further comprises amounting portion 440 extending from the sealing portion 430. The sealingportion 430 comprises a sealing surface 432. The sealing surface definesa plurality of sealing member recesses 436 any number of which can befilled with a resilient sealing material 433, 434. In this example,there are three sealing member recesses 436, each of which aresubstantially circular and two of the sealing member recesses are filledwith a rubber material in the form of neoprene. The neoprene may beaffixed to the sealing surface by adhesive. When the roof window sealingmember 360 is to be sealed against an external surface 490, for examplean upper surface of the roof window described previously, a layer ofadhesive 492 can be provided between the external surface 490 and thesealing surface 432 whereby to adhere the roof window sealing member 360to the external surface 490.

The mounting portion 440 has defined therein a plurality of mountingholes 450. A fastener (not shown) can be used to mount the roof windowsealing member to further components in the roofing assembly. It will beunderstood that alternative fixing means may be used, for exampleadhesives.

Roof window sealing member 360 further comprises an upper lip region 422at an upper end of the retaining recess 420. A mouth region of theretaining recess is defined by an opening of the retaining recess 420between the upper lip region 422 and a lower lip region at a lowersurface of the retaining recess 420. In use, an end of a roof coveringin the form of a roofing sheet is inserted within the retaining recess420. The roofing sheet is bent back around the upper lip region 422. Theroofing sheet comprises an outer surface arranged to be exposed to facesubstantially outwards on the roof in use, and an inner surface oppositethe outer surface and arranged to face substantially inwards on the roofin use. The upper lip region 422 is in contact with an inner surface ofthe roofing sheet when the roofing sheet is bent around the upper lipregion 422. The retaining recess 420 is defined between the upper lipregion 422 and the sealing portion 430, thereby ensuring a weathertightseal is maintained between the roof window and the roof covering. Theretaining recess 420 functions to constrain the roof covering to beretained within the retaining recess 420, whilst allowing movement in anelongate direction along the elongate extent of the roof window sealingmember. This is important when the roof covering is formed from amaterial such as zinc exhibiting thermal expansion and/or contractionwhen heated or cooled. The roof window can remain sealed in the roof,regardless of the temperature (and corresponding expansion orcontraction) of the roof covering.

The retaining recess 420 is further defined by a plurality ofprotrusions 424, 426, 428 defined within the internal surface of theretaining recess 420. The protrusions 424, 426, 428 are formed tosubstantially retain the roof covering within the retaining recess 420.In this example, the protrusions 424, 426, 428 retain the roof coveringwithin the retaining recess 420 when the roof covering is bent backaround the upper lip region 422. The protrusions 424, 426, 428 aredistributed over both an upper surface of the retaining recess 420 and alower surface of the retaining recess 420. In this example, theprotrusions 424, 426, 428 are elongate protrusions extendingsubstantially the length of the roof window sealing member. Theretaining recess 420 is substantially parallel to the sealing portion430. In this example, the retaining recess has a depth of approximately11 millimeters. The mounting portion 440 is substantially perpendicularto the sealing portion 430. The mounting portion 440 is substantiallyperpendicular to the retaining recess 420.

The roof window sealing members 360 are formed to extend one each alongeach of the lateral boundaries of the roof window and an upper boundaryof the roof window. In this way, the lateral boundaries and upperboundary of the roof window can be substantially weathertight.Furthermore, it will be appreciated that rain water will run off a loweredge of the roof window by gravity.

The elongate member 402 in the present example is formed from metal, inparticular steel, but it will be appreciated that the elongate member402 may instead be formed from any rigid, water impermeable material,for example plastics or composites.

Although the present disclosure relates to window panels, it will beunderstood that the methods and apparatus disclosed herein can be usedfor mounting any type of roof panel in a roof, for example solar heatingelements or access panels.

Although not explicitly described previously, it will be understood thatthe roof window described herein may be an openable roof light wherebyto admit ventilation through the roof.

In summary, there is provided a roofing assembly (300). The roofingassembly (300) comprises: a support frame (310, 320); a window panel(350) supported on the support frame; a roof covering (319, 364) havingan inner surface facing the support frame (310, 320) and extending overthe support frame (310, 320) to a boundary of the window panel (350);and a sealing adaptor (360) comprising a sealing portion (430) having asealing surface (432) for forming a seal against the window panel (350),and a retaining portion (410) defining a retaining recess (420) formedto retain an end of the roof covering (319, 364) therein. The retainingportion (410) comprises a lip region (422) for contacting the innersurface of the roof covering (319, 364) when the end of the roofcovering (319, 364) is received in the retaining recess (420). Theretaining recess (420) is provided between the lip region (422) and thesealing surface (432).

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words“comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but notlimited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude othercomponents, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims ofthis specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless thecontext otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite articleis used, the specification is to be understood as contemplatingplurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers or characteristics described in conjunction with aparticular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to beunderstood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or exampledescribed herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the featuresdisclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims,abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or processso disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinationswhere at least some of such features and/or steps are mutuallyexclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of anyforegoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or anynovel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to anynovel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method orprocess so disclosed.

1. A roofing assembly comprising: a support frame; a window panelsupported on the support frame; a roof covering having an inner surfacefacing the support frame and extending over the support frame to aboundary of the window panel; and a sealing adaptor comprising a sealingportion having a sealing surface for forming a seal against the windowpanel, and a retaining portion defining a retaining recess formed toretain an end of the roof covering therein, wherein the retainingportion comprises a lip region for contacting the inner surface of theroof covering when the end of the roof covering is received in theretaining recess and wherein the retaining recess is provided betweenthe lip region and the sealing surface.
 2. A roofing assembly as claimedin claim 1, wherein the retaining recess is substantially parallel tothe sealing surface.
 3. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 1,wherein the roof covering is formed from zinc roofing sheets.
 4. Aroofing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing portiondefines a plurality of sealing recesses to receive a sealing member. 5.A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing portiondefines three sealing recesses.
 6. A roofing assembly as claimed inclaim 4, wherein one or more of the sealing recesses are filled by thesealing member.
 7. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein thesealing surface comprises an adhesive to adhere the sealing adaptor tothe window panel.
 8. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 7, whereinthe adhesive is to adhere the sealing adaptor to a top surface of thewindow panel.
 9. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein thesealing adaptor further comprises a mounting portion extending from thesealing portion to mount the sealing adaptor to the support frame inuse.
 10. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the mountingportion is to mount the sealing adaptor to the support frame using afastener in use.
 11. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 9, whereinthe mounting portion has defined therein a mounting hole for engagementby a fastener, for example a screw fastener.
 12. A roofing assembly asclaimed in claim 9, wherein the retaining recess extends inwardly from amouth region defined by an entrance of the recess in a recess directionat least partially towards the mounting portion.
 13. A roofing assemblyas claimed in claim 12, wherein the recess direction is betweenapproximately 0 degrees and 90 degrees away from a plane of the sealingsurface.
 14. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein therecess direction is between approximately 0 degrees and 90 degrees awayfrom a top surface of the window panel in use.
 15. A roofing assembly asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining recess extends inwardly from amouth region defined by an entrance of the recess, and wherein a depthof the retaining recess from the mouth region is at least 5 millimeters.16. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein a width of theretaining recess between opposing sides of the mouth region is between 1millimeter and 4 millimeters.
 17. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim1, wherein the retaining recess defines a tortuous path, whereby toretain the roof covering within the retaining recess in use.
 18. Aroofing assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the retaining recess isdefined by a first surface and a second surface, substantially opposingthe first surface, and wherein at least one of the first surface and thesecond surface includes a plurality of protrusions extending inwardlywithin the retaining recess.
 19. A roofing assembly as claimed in claim18, wherein the plurality of protrusions are distributed over both thefirst surface and the second surface of the retaining recess.
 20. Amounting adaptor for mounting a roof panel within a roof, the roof panelhaving a top surface, the roof provided by a support frame over whichextends a roof covering having an inner surface facing the supportframe, the mounting adaptor being an elongate member and comprising: asealing portion having a sealing surface for forming a seal at aboundary of the roof panel; and a retaining portion formed to define anelongate retaining recess to receive an end portion of the roof coveringtherein, wherein the retaining portion comprises a lip region forcontacting an inner surface of the roof covering when the end of theroof covering is received in the retaining recess and wherein theretaining recess is provided between the lip region and the sealingsurface.
 21. A kit of parts for mounting a window panel within a roofcomprising the sealing adaptor described in claim 1.